Following the Thread

My hands are feeling a little better and I think its because my back is too. I called in sick to work Saturday (I usually work six days a week) to give my back a two day rest and it helped so much. Then I went into work today and the truck hadn’t shown up (I push stock to the shelves at Target) so I get a third day off. Usually that bothers me but I think it will be good for my back, so I’ll go with it.

I’ve been very busy in crochet this week. I finally used the first skein I recieved from Brandy during the One Skein exchange. It’s the fuschia, orange, and yellow cotton yarn. I had started a chevron stitch purse, but didn’t like the hook I was using, so I finally pulled it apart, chose a larger hook, and finished it. It’s like an evening bag about 8 inches long. I used a spool knitter to make the strap. Then fake crystal beads to extend the length of the strap and dangling from the bottom chevron points. It’s very pretty. Maybe one day I’ll figure out how to get my pictures to post and you can see it.

I am starting my first felting project too. My Mom’s birthday is this month so I am making her a purse out of denim blue and gray wool from Patons. I am making it bigger than usual in the hopes that I can felt it enough to make it the right size. I found the greatest button for it. It looks like a shiny new quarter. Its a casual purse and I thought a quarter button would add a bit of whimsy.

I am also altering some work T-shirts. The collar is too close to my neck so I am making some trim to put on the shirts and cut away the extra. I am using Lion brand Microspun in black (nice contrast to my red shirts) and making some lace trim (not too fancy) to sew on.

I finally bought a skein of Midnight Mohair by Lion. Its on clearance at Wal-MArt. But only one skein, it’s still five dollars and its not a good payday right now. Maybe if they still have it I will get a couple more so I can make more than a scarf. The one I chose was named Rainbow Falls and has lots of color.

Now I have to find some fancy yarn in white to make a scarf for my Grandma. She saw my yarn and decided she wanted a scarf too. I might combine some of what I have a make a fancy scarf. I know I have some white fun fur, and another white yarn with a little sparkle, and some fuzzy soft yarn, I may be able to make something out of that.

Well, that’s my crochet life for now. Like usual way too many projects, just the way I like it.

I got my last shipment from my secret pal Brandy.  It is the most adorable little bear, fits right into the palm of my hand.  Of course I can’t seem to do pictures, but she sent me the link to the pattern by Edith Molina, www.squidoo.com/thread_crochet_bears/ and you can see what the original looked like.  My bear is bigger because it is not thread crochet and it had wispy soft hairs all over and long ones off the ears and one little curl on its forehead.  The yarn is a short variegated peach, tan, and gray, and the body is jointed.  I’ve been showing it off.

On the charity crochet front I have finished a dozen baby caps and am about halfway through the granny squares for my Linus blanket, but I’ve hit a kink.  My hands are killing me.  But I am not entirely sure its just my hands; I hurt my back last year and whenever it hurts, my hands get worse.  I think the swelling in my back presses a nerve.  It’s getting a little better.

I taught my friend to make the charity caps. Her goal is to make one a day before the interest gets distracted. She’s doing pretty good this week in spite of having to get a birthday party for her four year old ready.

The poncho I made for my friend’s daughter was well-recieved- by my friend. Her daughter will like it when she’s done playing with all her new birthday toys. It’s a little big, but that means it should fit for two winters which will be a record for anything I’ve made or bought for her in the past.

I hope my hands are feeling better soon, I have so many other things I would like to make.

In the past year or so, I’ve really wanted to participate in charity work.  I decided to combine my love of crochet. my huge stash of yarn, and my compassion to make things for charities that collect items like blankets and baby caps.

I started with Project Linus, www.projectlinus.org .  I’ve finished one blanket so far and am going to use up my baby yarn and make a few more.

 The other day, I came across a link on the Annie’s Attic website at www.anniesattic.com to create baby hats for underpriviledged children in countries sponsored by Save the Children.  They are putting together new baby kits that include a handmade hat, a sterilized blade to cut the umbilical cord and basic baby care instructions for mothers.  They are trying to cut down on the infant mortality rate.  Instructions for the hats and how to participate can be found at www.warmupamerica.org or www.savethechildren.org.

The hats are smaller than those we usually get patterns for because these babies are born underweight.  Its so small I nearly cried when I finally got the gauge right.  My grandma thought it was for a toy doll.  I’m going to make a few of these to send off, and then get started on my next Linus blanket.